Bringoz Industry Weekly 11/24

onsumer spending is expected to reach nearly $125 billion between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. Walmart slashes U.S. delivery costs. Third-party logistics providers ramp up their large warehouse leasing activity to accommodate increased demand. Read about these stories and more in our weekly industry news roundup.

Eighty-eight percent of consumers plan to visit stores during the five-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, according to ICSC’s Thanksgiving Weekend Intentions survey. Consumer spending is expected to reach nearly $125 billion during the five-day period. Promotions continue to be a key driver of consumer activity, with 57% of shoppers citing deals and discounts as their primary motivators for shopping over the long weekend. Read more.

Walmart slashed its U.S. net delivery cost per order by 40% in Q3 for the third consecutive quarter, EVP and CFO John David Rainey said in an earnings call. “There are a few key factors driving this improvement: delivery densification, increased penetration of paid expedited delivery orders and the automation of our supply chain,” Rainey said. Walmart is handling more than 50% of its fulfillment center volume with automation, twice as much as a year ago. Read more.

Third-party logistics providers have ramped up their large warehouse leasing activity in 2024 to accommodate increased demand, according to a CBRE report. Through Q3 2024, 3PLs accounted for 498 new leases and renewals featuring at least 100,000 square feet of space, a 9% year-over-year increase. The growth in 3PL bulk leasing activity is largely driven by growing retailer interest in outsourcing their warehousing and distribution needs. Companies are drawn to 3PLs’ established warehousing presence in key markets. Read more.

Real-time fleet monitoring is transforming how businesses manage their drivers and vehicles. By leveraging GPS tracking, telematics, and other innovative technologies, businesses can track fleet vehicle locations, performance, and status in real time. Here’s a look into the significant benefits of real-time fleet monitoring and how it can impact your fleet’s operations. Read more.

Whether it’s the holiday rush, back-to-school season, or weather-related demand spikes, businesses often see significant fluctuations in their logistics needs throughout the year. Here’s a look at how fleet managers can optimize fleet utilization during seasonal surges, ensuring that their fleets remain productive and cost-efficient year-round. Read more.

As supply chain management continues to evolve, businesses are constantly faced with the decision of whether to handle logistics internally or to outsource these functions to a third-party logistics provider. Each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of third-party logistics versus in-house logistics. Read more.